Repeat win won't come easily

CALGARY, Alberta - Griffin's Wake goes for his second straight win at the $30,000 claiming level in a six-furlong sprint at Stampede Park on Sunday.

Griffin's Wake, a 6-year-old gelding, caught a field devoid of speed last time out and went wire to wire under Desmond Bryan, winning by a neck in the good time of 1:10.60 after getting the half in 45.80.

The strategy remains the same on Sunday against six rivals, but the task is not quite as easy this time around. For starters, Griffin's Wake drew outside and there is more speed signed on here.

Distant Mood moves up a notch off a front-running victory over $22,000 claimers here April 22 and drew post 3 with Real Simard retaining the mount. A 4-year-old gelding, Distant Mood flashed early foot in all nine of his starts last year at Hastings and has the half-mile speed to challenge Griffin's Wake for the lead.

Smooth Cruiser adds fuel to the fire, as the 8-year-old gelding makes his second start of the meet. Although Smooth Cruiser was unable to keep up with Golden Hunt and Laketon in an allowance sprint just a week ago, Golden Hunt is one of the quickest away from the gate on the grounds and Laketon has won three straight.

Dakota Duke takes a confident move up the claiming ladder after handling $17,500 rivals with ease on April 26. The pace scenario in this race suits his stalking style perfectly and leading rider Rickey Walcott stays aboard.

Fancy Bru, just a neck shy of Griffin's Wake in their last meeting, is also in line for a stalking trip.